Pediatric Dietitian-Solid Organ (Renal)

Position Summary

Posting Note: This is an on-site position located in Phoenix, Arizona. Relocation Assistance Available

The Pediatric Dietitian -Solid Organ Transplant is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who is competent in general and specialized pediatric nutrition and either holds an advanced degree or a practice-related board certification. The PD – Solid Organ Transplant uses evidence-based knowledge to formulate a nutrition care plan, is competent in current medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for pediatrics, participates in nutrition care decisions that lead to positive outcomes and is an effective educator. The PD – Solid Organ Transplant demonstrates concentrated knowledge/experience in one or more pediatric nutrition sub-specialties. The PD – Solid Organ Transplant shows initiative in solving routine problems in the work environment and can self-manage daily duties and assignments. The PD – Solid Organ Transplant prioritizes workload, delivers nutrition care to assigned patients, and discusses/assists/advocates for nutrition care needs for the patient/family. This position receives oversight by the Manager, Clinical Nutrition Services. Ability to manage daily workload, identify and solve problems in the work area and meet quality and patient satisfaction goals is required.

PCH Values

• Family-Centered care that focuses on the need of the child first and values the family as an important member of the care team
• Excellence in clinical care, service and communication
• Collaborative within our institution and with others who share our mission and goals
• Leadership that set the standard for pediatric health care today and innovations of the future
• Accountability to our patients, community and each other for providing the best in the most cost-effective way.

Position Duties

1. Readily identifies the nutritional needs of solid organ transplant patients and integrates the medical nutrition therapy plan of care with the patients psychosocial, ethnic, cultural and religious needs. Provides nutrition care to assigned patients/families of general and specialized pediatric nutritional conditions/disorders, ages and developmental stages. Contributes to patient care decisions by using critical thinking and problem solving skills in the patient care setting. Professional knowledge and skills meet specialist-level indicators from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Scope of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for pediatric dietitians. Assesses the nutritional needs of patients, develops and implements an effective MNT plan of care, recommends and implements effective interventions and monitors/evaluates nutrition care outcomes for patients in a timely manner
2. Follows PCH standards of care and evidence-based practice guidelines applicable to assigned patients. Develops nutrition plan of care is integrated with the patient’s total health care needs and includes the psychosocial, ethnic, cultural and religious needs of the patient/family. Responds to and is sensitive to individual differences, varying socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
3. Selects the appropriate feeding modality for the patient and accurately calculates nutritional needs. Changes to the nutrition plan of care are made according to findings in a timely fashion.
4. Assumes a proactive role with patient/family education in the practice setting. Provides nutrition education to patients/families by identifying preferred learning style and then selecting technique, tools and materials which promote/enhance learning. Adapts teaching style to facilitate learning and behavior modification for individual patients/families.
5. Documents nutrition care plans and recommendations accurately, concisely and adheres to documentation policies and standards. Ensures timely availability of information for inclusion in the interdisciplinary care plan.
6. Participates in teaching/patient rounds for assigned solid organ transplant patients. Contributes information that assists the interdisciplinary team to make decisions which meet patient care goals. Is recognized by interdisciplinary team as a subject matter expert in nutrition and solid organ transplant. Serves as a liaison between the health care team and family for the purpose of accommodating individual needs and preferences. Understands, interprets and responds to age specific cues, non-verbal communication and caregiver feedback relative to nutrition care plan.
7. Carries out patient care-related duties under routine supervision and addresses problems encountered within assigned area and throughout the work environment. Recognizes limits of knowledge/experience for self and asks for assistance from others when needed. Requires minimal assistance with problems encountered within and outside of current practice area or experience. Able to easily assist less-experienced nutrition team members with their problems, questions and concerns.
8. Serves the hospital, the community and other health care organizations as a resource for nutrition in solid organ transplant information. Provides nutrition education to the interdisciplinary health care team and the community upon request. Participates in projects and activities that promote health and well-being of patients/families and may serve in a leadership role on project team, Projects may include nutrition practice standards, regulatory agency standards, hospital and/or departmental operations systems, quality and performance improvement initiatives, safety, research, education and mentoring/development of others.
9. Demonstrates understanding of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of quality and performance improvement. May participate in work groups focused on quality/performance improvement. Demonstrates and supports change that improves/enhances care, treatment and services. Demonstrates understanding of hospital and departmental policies, operational systems , safety practices organizational goals and initiatives. Abides by regulatory standards. Assumes personal accountability to enhance the patient experience by using high quality, patient satisfaction-directed interactions/tools/activities in the execution of duties. Interacts with patients and families in a compassionate and respectful manner at all times. Seeks out and supports new ways of satisfying patients/families through ideas and innovations.
10. Performs miscellaneous job related duties as requested.